Quick Facts on Deon

Characteristics of Deon

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Etymology & Historical Origin - Deon

Deon is a spelling variant of Dion, which in turn is short for Dionysius, the god of wine and revelry from Greek mythology (Roman: Bacchus). The name Dionysius is derived from the ancient Greek elements Διος (Dios) meaning “of Zeus” and Νυσα meaning “Nysa” which is the name of the mountain where rain nymphs raised Dionysius. So the etymology of Dion/Deon, which only contains the first element, means “of Zeus”, Zeus being the supreme Olympic god of all gods in Greek mythology. Dionysius was born of Zeus and the mortal Princess of Thebes, Semele (after Zeus appeared before Semele as a fellow mortal and seduced her). Zeus often antagonized his wife, Hera, with his many adulterous affairs and Semele was no exception. When Hera learned of the union (which had resulted in a pregnancy), she tricked Semele into demanding proof that Zeus was indeed a god by appearing before her in his divine shape. Although Zeus protested, Semele insisted. Mortals could not look upon a god in his full and true form without instantly perishing, and this is exactly what happened to Semele. Before disintegrating in the light of Zeus’s full glory, Semele gave birth to a premature Dionysius. Zeus took the tiny baby and stitched him into his thigh until Dionysius was a fully mature baby ready for rebirth (it is for this reason that Dionysius is often referred to as "twice-born”). Zeus gave the baby to the rain nymphs of Nysa to nurse and raise him outside of Hera’s wrathful eye. In his youth, Dionysius discovered how to cultivate the grape vine and extract its valuable liquid; thus becoming the god of the wine harvest. Dionysius personified wine, revelry, ecstasy and even hedonistic debauchery. For many of the ancient Greeks and Romans, cults and festivals grew up around Dionysius and Bacchus, respectively. The loss of inhibitions produced by intoxication was believed to bring one closer to a divine state. However, people in states of inebriation are also known to provoke hysterical and uncivilized behavior, so much so, the Roman Senate outlawed such festivals by the 2nd century B.C. After the Christianization of Europe, Dionysius became the poster child of “unchristian like” activities and selfish indulgence. However, we will always think of him as a good-time Charlie. What’s wrong with a little fun, after all? Given names which have derived from Dionysius not only include Dion and Deon (female: Dionne), but also Dennis and Denise.

Popularity of the Name Deon

Deon first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1962 and pretty quickly rose to levels of light moderation in the 1970s. Although not hugely popular overall, Deon became a particular favorite among African-Americans. It was in this community where Deon would achieve most of his successful usage as a baby boy’s name. He would maintain respectable circulation until the turn of the 21st century. Since the year 2000, Deon has seen significant drops down the Top 1000 list and is now coming dangerously close to falling off the charts altogether. The spelling of Dion fell off the Top 1000 list in 2006 and the female equivalent, Dionne, ran aground in 1983. Despite Deon’s lack of usage today, we still think this is an exceptionally cool name. We like the connection to Dionysius and his “bad boy” image.

Popularity of the Boy Name Deon

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Cultural References to the Baby Name - Deon

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Deon

Dionysius and the story of Midas (Greek Mythology) One of the more memorable legends surrounding Dionysius in Greek mythology has to do with King Midas of Phrygia. In the story, a beloved companion friend of Dionysius’s, Silenus, wandered off from the party and was found drunk and confused in the woods of Phrygia by some peasant folk. The intoxicated old man was brought to the king (Midas) who immediately recognized Silenus as one of Dionysius’s mythical horse-like followers; he thus treated Silenus with gracious kindness, housing him for 10 days. In turn, Silenus regaled Midas and his friends with story and song. On the eleventh day, Midas returned Silenus to Dionysius who, so pleased to have his friend back, offered Midas any wish. Without hesitation, Midas asked for the power to turn to gold anything he henceforth touched; and the god granted Midas his wish. Overjoyed, Midas went about turning everything to gold – a twig, a rock – as he ran home to celebrate with his family. Reality quickly turned to horror when, during the feast, Midas not only turned his food and wine to gold (rendering them unfit for consumption), but his wife and daughter, as well! Yikers!! Now lonely without his family and starving for food, Midas came to despise his “Midas Touch” and begged Dionysius to strip him of this power; a power he impetuously once desired. Feeling sorry for the dejected king, the god consented and told Midas to rid himself of his golden gift by bathing in the river. When Midas submerged into the water, the river soaked up his power sending gold flakes to the sandy river floor. Not coincidentally, Phrygia was renowned for its wealth and the first Greek place where gold coins were minted. Those ancient Greeks had an explanation for everything!

Popular Songs on Deon

Deon - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Deon.

Children's Books on the Baby Name Deon

Deon - We cannot find any children’s books featuring a character named Deon.

Deon - Boy Baby Name - Historic Figures

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Personality of the Boy Name Deon

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.